Northern Ireland’s six Further Education Colleges have announced details of up to 2,000 new NI Traineeship places now available for both school leavers and adults.

Available across 27 professions, the novel NI Traineeships enable school-leavers and adults to gain a qualification equivalent to five GCSEs (Level 2), while also gaining valuable work experience in the sector they are interested in.

Applications are now open across all six FE Colleges for September ‘23 entry, with further details of what’s on offer at each College available online by searching ‘Traineeships’ on the NI Direct website.

The NI Traineeships are supported by the Department for the Economy, in line with its 10X Economic Vision and associated Skills Strategy, to offer a further accessible route to further study and employment, including apprenticeships.

A Traineeship typically takes up to two years to complete on a full-time basis. Students can then progress to Level 3 FE courses or Apprenticeships, both of which offer progression to Higher Education including degrees and Higher-Level Apprenticeships.

Available across 27 professions
Among the 27 professions covered by the NI Traineeships are engineering, auto electrics, joinery, animal care, professional chef, hospitality and tourism, travel and tourism, and childcare and early years.

Real-world challenges
Developed alongside industry, the NI Traineeships include project-based learning and skills training. The Traineeship package offers students a more dynamic and relevant vocational programme of learning than traditional academic pathways.

While undertaking their Traineeship, students will explore real-world challenges developed by local employers and complete a period of structured work-related learning with an employer. Students will also have the opportunity to achieve additional qualifications deemed necessary for work within their chosen sector, as well as skills valued by employers including problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and entrepreneurship.

Speaking about the opportunities provided by the NI Traineeships, Leo Murphy, Chair of the College Principals’ Group and Principal and Chief Executive of North West Regional College (NWRC), said:

“These NI Traineeships offer young people and adults a fantastic chance to begin a new and exciting chapter in their lives. If you are a school leaver, are unemployed, or currently have a desire to work in a certain sector, then I urge you to find out more about the NI Traineeships now on offer in your local Further Education College.

“Utilising the world-class facilities available in our FE Colleges, these NI Traineeships provide our students with accessible, really enjoyable, high-quality vocational education and training, and working relationships with leading employers that often lead to fulfilling careers.

“These Traineeships also highlight the value employers now place on the use of Traineeship as a route to Apprenticeships, with many hundreds of young people progressing to employment in key sectors. The exciting work-based training options highlight the vital role FE plays in the creation of a vibrant Northern Ireland economy.”

Libby Shackels, Director of Curriculum at Southern Regional College commented:

“The NI Traineeship is now the flagship level 2 programme that provides young people with a high-quality vocational education across twenty-seven skills areas. If you are 16 years of age, leaving school and you aspire to work in a practical environment and gain experience in the workplace, through the College’s extensive links with employers, then the NI Traineeship is for you! Traineeships are equivalent to five GCSEs, providing students with the progression pathway to a Level 3 Vocational qualification or Apprenticeship, and indeed a Higher Education qualification in the future.

Here at Southern Regional College, we want students to have the tools they need for a successful career, with Traineeships being the first step. With many young people coming out with GCSE results and unsure of their next steps, I would urge you to look into traineeships to see what they can offer you.”

Andrew McVarnock from Southern Regional College is one student undertaking an NI Professional Chef Traineeship. Encouraging others to explore the opportunities they offer, Andrew said:

“I first became aware of the Traineeship by attending the College Open Day last year. At the event lecturers provided me with lots of information about the Traineeship and I began to realise how the course would help develop my skills and lead to lots of job opportunities.

I’ve learnt lots both in College and on my work placements. When I reflect on the experience, I can see how much I’ve learnt and how my skills have improved. I’ve been able to work in a Michelin starred restaurant over summer and am looking forward to progressing with the Level 3 Apprenticeship. I would definitely say take a look at the NI Traineeships on offer at your nearest college.”

Clement Athanasiou, Director of Apprenticeships, Careers and Vocational Education at the Department for the Economy, added:

“Developing the local skills base is a key priority for the Department. Our 10X Economic Vision and associated Skills Strategy sets out how we want to equip people with the skills they need for the constantly evolving jobs market. Traineeships have a vital role to play in making this a reality.”

“The opportunity provided by a Traineeship for those who are not in employment to gain Level 2 qualifications can unlock their chosen career path, or set them up to progress to higher levels of education, such as through an Apprenticeship. Participants on a Traineeship will also learn valuable skills for employment by taking part in work-based learning which is a great way to develop the wider transversal skills that are so important in the world of work. This is a fantastic and accessible new route to learning and I would encourage all those interested and eligible to look at the wide range of training options available through their local FE college.”

Participants of the NI Traineeships may be eligible for financial support through Education Maintenance Allowance or FE Grants. Hardship funds, free school meals, equipment, and travel passes may also be available. Further information is available online at NI Direct.

To find out more about Traineeships on offer at SRC, visit NI Traineeships.